It may not yet be a thriving social hub for meeting friends, but developer Capital Alliance is betting that Melbourne's Docklands will become a hot-spot destination.

The Melbourne-based developer has just announced that they will build the first Marriott hotel to be built in Australia in almost 20 years, complete with rooftop infinity pool and bar that will overlook Melbourne and be open to the public, much like Singapore’s famous Marina Bay Sands.

The hotel will be included in a proposed integrated mixed-use development at Waterfront Way atop Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Waterfront City. The $250 million Docklands development, which is subject to planning approvals, proposes approximately 200 hotel rooms and 260 residential apartments across 36 levels.

The aim of the project was to draw tourists both internationally and locally to the area, said Capital Alliance managing director and founder Mohan Du.

"We believe that mixed-use developments are the right direction for development in our city and provide the stimuli Docklands needs to flourish. We envisage the rooftop amenities will provide a unique experience and complement a range of amenities in the building that will be open to both residents, guests and the general public," said Du.

Capital Alliance is already building another hotel in the Docklands, the five star M Docklands currently under construction.